Vacuum Truck with Loading Pump

ABSTRACT

A transport truck for removing and transporting waste fluids, the transport truck having a storage tank mounted on a frame, a motor furnishing transport power to move the truck, and a fluid transfer apparatus. The fluid transfer apparatus includes a diaphragm pump in fluid communication with the storage tank, and having a first side and a second side. The first side has a first coupling configured for attachment to an external structure, and the second side has a second coupling connected to the storage tank by a fluid conduit. The fluid transfer apparatus is closed, so that the fluids within the fluid transfer apparatus are substantially separated from ambient air.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a truck for transporting waste fluids, and in particular a truck for loading, unloading, and transporting waste fluids with reduced emissions of petrochemical or other undesirable vapors during loading or unloading.

2. Description of the Related Art

In a number of industrial facilities, it is necessary to periodically conduct what are known as maintenance, startup, or shutdown (MSS) operations. During MSS operations it is required to extract waste fluids from one or more of the involved storage tanks or vessels in the facility. In the past, so far as is known, conventional transport trucks with storage tanks were loaded with the extracted waste fluids for transport to a treatment facility for compliance with environmental regulations.

So far as is known, in the past vacuum pumps have been used to provide the extraction forces during loading of the waste fluids into the truck. The prior vacuum pumps required large amounts of air to move through the pumps, and as a result the air through the pumps came into contact with the products being transferred. Thus the transfer pumps gave rise to possible emission of the same type of undesirable vapors from the products sought to be transferred for treatment to satisfy environmental concerns. Environmental regulations have recently required that emissions from the vacuum pumps used for loading of the transport trucks must be monitored and recorded. The monitoring of vacuum pump emissions, however, results in significant costs in monitoring as well as in scrubbing and containing those emissions. The recording and retention of vacuum pump emissions further adds an additional administrative burden with attendant costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, the present invention provides a new and improved apparatus for loading and unloading waste fluids into a transport truck for loading, unloading and transporting such fluids. The transport truck has a storage tank mounted on a chassis bed frame and a motor furnishing transport power to move the truck. The loading and unloading apparatus for waste fluids includes a positive displacement diaphragm pump for moving the fluids into and out of the storage tank, and a fluid coupling for connecting the diaphragm pump to receive the waste fluids. The apparatus according to the present invention also a fluid transfer conduit connecting the diaphragm pump to the storage tank. In some embodiments, the present invention may also include an apparatus that includes both a diaphragm pump and a vacuum pump.

The present invention also provides a method of transporting waste fluids in a truck having a storage tank and a fluid transfer apparatus including a diaphragm pump. The method includes the steps of connecting a first end of the diaphragm pump to an external structure containing the fluids to be transported, connecting a second end of the diaphragm pump to the storage tank via a fluid transfer conduit, and activating the diaphragm pump to draw the fluids from the external structure into the diaphragm pump, and to push the fluids from the diaphragm pump into the storage tank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a transport truck for removing and transporting waste fluids according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a diaphragm pump for use with the truck of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the flow path of waste fluids into the transport truck of FIG. 1 during loading of the truck.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the flow path of waste fluids out of the transport truck of FIG. 1 during unloading of the truck.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a motor for powering the diaphragm pump of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a support tray for the diaphragm pump of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a power takeoff mechanism for use in the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a vacuum pump included in some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the controls for operating the pump or pumps shown in FIGS. 2 and 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the connection of a fluid delivery conduit into the tank of the transport truck.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the drawings, there is provided a fluid transport truck 10 according to the present invention for loading, transporting, and unloading waste fluids. For purposes of this application, waste fluids can include fluids containing volatile organic compounds (VOC), petrochemical or other waste products, sludge, wastewater, hazardous or malodourous material, or any material objectionable because of the presence of petrochemicals, odor, or other undesirable vapors during loading or unloading, including fluids subject to regulations at the Federal or state level. The products include any type of fluid which is required to be treated because of environmental concerns, special handling requirements, or other reasons. As used herein, fluid means vapors, gases, liquids, sludges, semi-solids, or anything else that can flow through a pipe. The transport truck 10 has a storage tank 12 mounted on a chassis bed or frame 14, and a motor 16 furnishing transport power to move the truck 10.

According to the present invention, the truck 10 is provided with a fluid transfer apparatus 18 for loading and unloading the waste fluids from a petrochemical or other facility for transfer to a treatment facility. The fluid transfer apparatus 18 includes a positive displacement diaphragm pump 20 which moves the fluids into and out of the storage tank 12. In practice, the diaphragm pump 20 can draw the waste fluids into a first side 22, through the diaphragm pump 20, and out a second side 24. The second side 24 of the diaphragm pump 20 is fluidly connected to the storage tank 12 by a fluid transfer conduit 26 that extends from the second side 24 of the diaphragm pump 20 to a an inlet 28 on the tank 12. Alternatively, the operation of the diaphragm pump 20 can be reversed so that in operation fluid is drawn from the storage tank 12 into the second side 24 of the diaphragm pump 20, and then discharged out the first side 22 to, for example, a receiving tank at a treatment facility. The diaphragm pump 20 does not create or use a vacuum, and substantially prevents ambient air from contacting the fluid within the fluid transfer apparatus 18 during pumping. Furthermore, the fluid transfer apparatus limits or prevents the discharge to the environment air that does come into contact with the fluid being pumped.

In a preferred embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 2, the diaphragm pump 20 is a dual diaphragm pump, which can be provided as a component on trucks 10 used for transport of hazardous fluids. In the embodiment shown, the diaphragm pump 20 is driven by fluid power furnished by a hydraulic motor 30 through suitable fluid conduits 32. The motive force for moving the waste fluid is transferred to the fluid by diaphragms 34 which are located within the diaphragm pump 20 and driven by the hydraulic motor 30. The diaphragms 34 are in contact with the fluid in the diaphragm pump 20, and are made of a material selected to resist harmful or corrosive components of the fluids being pumped, such as, for example, hydrocarbons, acids, bases, or other corrosive materials. Shrouds 36 may be provided over the diaphragms 34 to prevent contaminates from coming into contact with the diaphragms 34. In addition, the diaphragm pump 20 includes a plurality of valves 38 a, 38 b, 38 c, 38 d, which control the flow of petrochemical products or other fluids within the diaphragm pump 20.

One suitable pump according to the present invention is a Model 3B-HP-DD pump available from Wastecorp Pumps LLC. It should be understood that other mechanically or hydraulically driven positive displacement pumps may also be used. The Wastecorp Pump, Model 3B-HP-DD for example, has a rated maximum flow capacity of 160 gallons per minute, a rated suction lift of 20 feet, and a vertical head rating of 50 feet. The pumping capacity and fluid handling properties of the diaphragm pump to be used according to the present invention are determined by the nature of the waste fluids to be loaded and unloaded. If required, the pump can be of a type used in handling corrosive fluids. This present invention provides VOC emissions compliance without the use of costly degassing chemicals or activated carbon.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown a schematic diagram of the fluid transfer apparatus 18, storage tank 12, and other components. The fluid transfer apparatus 18 includes a fluid inlet port or coupling 40 for connecting the diaphragm pump 20 to receive the waste fluids which are to be transported for treatment. The fluid inlet coupling 40 is connected by an inlet pipe or conduit 42 to an intake or inlet port 44 of the diaphragm pump 20. A fluid inlet control valve 38 a, which is controlled by a suitable manual control 46 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 6) is located in the inlet conduit 42 between the inlet port 40 and the pump inlet port 44. The fluid inlet control valve 38 a is movable between an open position, allowing fluid flow through the inlet conduit 42, and a closed position, blocking such flow based on the position of control 46.

The fluid transfer conduit 26 is connected to the inlet conduit 42 and the pump inlet port 44 by a routing conduit or pipe 50. A fluid routing control valve 38 b, which is controlled by a suitable manual control 51 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 6) is located in the routing conduit 50 between the fluid transfer conduit 26 and the pump inlet port 44. The fluid routing control valve 38 b is movable between an open position, allowing fluid flow from fluid transfer conduit 26 to the diaphragm pump 20, and a closed position, blocking such flow based on the position of control 51.

The fluid transfer apparatus 18 also includes a fluid outlet port or coupling 52 for connecting the diaphragm pump 20 to transfer the fluid products from the storage tank 12 to a treatment facility. The fluid outlet coupling 52 is connected by an outlet pipe or conduit 54 to an outlet port 56 of the diaphragm pump 20. A fluid outlet control valve 38 c, which is controlled by a suitable manual control 58 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 6) is located in the outlet conduit 54 between the outlet port 52 and the pump outlet port 56. The fluid outlet control valve 38 c is movable between an open position, allowing fluid flow outwardly from the diaphragm pump 20 through the outlet conduit 54, and a closed position, blocking such flow, based on the position of control 58.

A routing conduit or pipe 60 is connected between the pump outlet port 56 and a flow manifold 62. The flow manifold 62 is connected to the fluid transfer conduit 26 and the routing conduit 50 at an opposite end from conduit 60. A fluid routing control valve 38 d (shown in FIG. 6), which is controlled by a suitable manual control 64 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 6), is located in the routing conduit 60 between the flow manifold 62 and the pump outlet port 56. The fluid routing control valve 38 d is movable between an open position, allowing fluid flow from pump outlet port 56 to the flow manifold 62, and a closed position, blocking such flow, based on the position of control 64.

The fluid transfer apparatus 18 also includes a surge or pulsation dampener 66 mounted in fluid communication with the fluid transfer pipe 50. One surge dampener 66 that may be used is manufactured by Wastecorp Pumps, is 35 inches high and 8 inches in diameter, and is mounted to the pump's outlet port 56. The surge dampener 66 contains a body of gas or some other compressible and expandable medium separated from the fluid being pumped by the fluid transfer apparatus 18. The medium may be separated from the fluid by, for example, a diaphragm. The surge dampener 66 thus absorbs pressure surges or pulsations caused by the action of the diaphragm pump 20 on the fluid being loaded or unloaded.

The valves 38 a, 38 b, 38 c, and 38 d may, for example, be butterfly valves of the type manufactured by Bray Controls, such as a 3 inch butterfly valve, P/N 300300-11010639. Alternatively, it should be understood that any other appropriate valve, from any source, may be used herein.

The diagram of FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the fluid transfer apparatus 18 when untreated fluids are transferred from a facility into the tank 12. As shown, the fluid inlet coupling 40 is connected to receive the fluid products which are to be transported. The positions of the fluid inlet control valve 38 a and the fluid routing control valve 38 d are set to be open by their respective controls, while the positions of the fluid outlet control valve 38 c and the routing control valve 38 b are set to be closed. The fluid products are then drawn into the fluid transfer apparatus 18 through the inlet conduit 42 by the diaphragm pump 20, and moved from the diaphragm pump 20 through pump outlet port conduit 60, manifold 62, and fluid transfer conduit 26 to the storage tank 12.

Conversely, the diagram of FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the fluid transfer apparatus 18 when fluid is unloaded from the storage tank 12 at the treatment facility. The fluid outlet coupling 52 is connected to an appropriate receiving vessel. The positions of the fluid routing control valve 38 b and the fluid outlet control valve 38 c are set to be open by their respective controls, while the positions of the fluid inlet control valve 38 a and the routing control valve 38 d are set to be closed. The fluid products in the storage tank 12 are then drawn through the fluid transfer conduit 26 and the routing conduit 50 by the diaphragm pump 20, and move from the diaphragm pump 20 through pump outlet valve 38 c, outlet conduit 54, and outlet coupling 52 for treatment in a treatment facility.

As best shown in FIG. 5, the diaphragm pump 20 can be powered by a hydraulic motor 30. Hydraulic fluid is communicated to the hydraulic motor 30 via conduits 32. In addition to powering the diaphragm pump 20, the hydraulic motor may further be used to power other functions or devices on the truck 10 that are unrelated to the present invention. Furthermore, although the motor 30 shown in FIG. 5 is a hydraulic motor, any appropriate type of motor could be used. For example, the diaphragm pump 20 could be powered by an electric motor, an internal combustion engine, or directly from the engine of the truck. The hydraulic motor specifications vary based on the overall requirements, as mentioned above.

As best shown in FIG. 6, the diaphragm pump 20 is mounted on a pump support base or platform 68 mounted to, and, in some embodiments, extending outwardly from, the chassis frame 14 forward of the storage tank 12. The pump support base 68 serves to protect the diaphragm pump 20 from road debris while the truck is driving, for example, on a roadway. In addition, the pump support base 68 may serve to catch hydraulic fluid or other contaminants in the event that such contaminants leak from the diaphragm pump 20 or the motor 30.

FIG. 7 shows a power takeoff unit 70 mounted on the frame 14 of the truck 10 in a position so that power from the motor 16 of the truck 10 may be transferred to operate the diaphragm pump 20. The power takeoff unit 70 may be attached to the frame 14 underneath the truck 10, such as behind the fuel tank 72 (shown in FIG. 1). Like the hydraulic motor 30, the power takeoff unit 70 may be used to power other components on the truck 10.

FIG. 8 shows a vacuum pump 74, which may be mounted to the truck 10 in addition to the diaphragm pump 20. As discussed above, the diaphragm pump 20 provides many advantages over the vacuum pump 74 when pumping certain types of fluids, such as, for example, petrochemical waste. For example, with the diaphragm pump 20 it is no longer required that large volumes of air be provided to drive a vacuum pump 74. In addition, vacuum pumps for unloading waste fluids have become the subject of environmental regulation, and emissions from such vacuum pumps must in a number of situations be treated, monitored, and recorded. Thus, it is very costly to perform the required treatment (e.g., scrubbing, containment) as well as to monitor and record emissions from vacuum pumps that have been previously used.

The use of a vacuum pump 74 may still be beneficial, however, under certain circumstances. For example, when pumping fluids that have solid particulates mixed in the fluid, a diaphragm pump may become clogged or otherwise cease to function properly if the particulates are too large. Vacuum pumps avoid this problem. For that reason, one embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 1, provides a truck 10 that has both a diaphragm pump 20 and a vacuum pump 74. It is to be understood that provision of a vacuum pump is not required, but may be included in some embodiments along with a diaphragm pump 20 to allow a truck 10 to pump a wider variety of fluids or other waste types.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, which include a vacuum pump, a pump control 76 is also provided that allows an operator to switch between the two pumps depending on the requirements of a particular job. The pump control 76 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 9, at least one of the levers 78 of the pump control 76 has the ability to move inwardly or outwardly relative to the truck 10. In the particular example shown, when the lever 78 is in a straight up position (as shown in solid lines), neither the diaphragm pump 20 nor the vacuum pump 72 are in operation. When the lever 78 is pushed inwardly, as indicated by phantom lever 78 a, the diaphragm pump 20 is activated. Alternately, when the lever 78 is pulled outwardly, as indicated by phantom lever 78 b, the vacuum pump 20 is activated. The other levers may be used to control different components of the system, or other components of the truck 10 that are unrelated to the present invention. In addition, a particular motion of the levers can be arranged to activate and control any pump or components on the truck. For example, the pump control 76 can be arranged to that pushing the lever 78 inwardly activates the vacuum pump, while pulling the lever 78 outwardly activates the diaphragm pump 20. Also, the pump control 76 can be arranged so that the pumps are activated with the other levers shown.

Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown the fluid transfer conduit 26 where it connects to the storage tank 12. With the present invention, the fluid transfer conduit 26 has a fluid transfer connection 80 to a port 82 in a lower portion 84 of the storage tank 12. With this structure, and when the tank 12 is partially filled with fluid, vapors delivered to the tank 12 by the fluid transfer conduit 26 enter the tank 12 at a submerged location. This causes the vapor to pass through denser liquid rather than entering directly into upper portions of the tank as vapor. A valve 84 at the fluid transfer connection 80 may be used to prevent passage of fluids between the tank 12 and the fluid transfer conduit 26 in either direction. Such a valve may be manufactured by, for example, CF Fluid controls. One possible valve that may be used is a 3 inch, stainless steel, ball valve.

The fluid transfer apparatus of the present invention is advantageous for many reasons. For example, use of the diaphragm pump 20 and fluid transfer conduit as disclosed means that fluids transferred to and from the storage tank are substantially separated from ambient air. This feature has the effect of reducing volatile organic compounds from entering the air in the form of emissions or otherwise, thereby reducing potential harm to human operators of the system, as well as to the environment. In addition, the reduction of emissions containing volatile compounds means that time consuming and expensive tracking and reporting of emissions for compliance with government regulations is eliminated.

The invention has been sufficiently described so that a person with average knowledge in the matter may reproduce and obtain the results mentioned in the invention herein Nonetheless, any skilled person in the field of technique, subject of the invention herein, may carry out modifications not described in the request herein, to apply these modifications to a determined structure, or in the manufacturing process of the same, requires the claimed matter in the following claims; such structures shall be covered within the scope of the invention.

It should be noted and understood that there can be improvements and modifications made of the present invention described in detail above without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as set forth in the accompanying claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. In a transport truck for removing and transporting waste fluids, the transport truck having a storage tank mounted on a frame, and a motor furnishing transport power to move the truck, a fluid transfer apparatus comprising: a diaphragm pump in fluid communication with the storage tank, the diaphragm pump having a first side and a second side, and driven by a power takeoff unit that transfers power from the motor of the truck to the diaphragm pump; the first side of the diaphragm pump having a first coupling configured for attachment to an external structure, and the second side of the diaphragm pump having a second coupling connected to the storage tank by a fluid conduit; the fluid transfer apparatus being closed, so that the fluids within the fluid transfer apparatus are substantially separated from ambient air;
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the diaphragm pump comprises a dual diaphragm pump.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the diaphragm pump has diaphragms made of a material selected to resist harmful or corrosive components.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first side of the diaphragm pump has a pair of valves, and the second side of the diaphragm pump has a pair of valves, the valves individually openable and closeable to control the direction of fluid flow through the diaphragm pump, thereby allowing the diaphragm pump to transfer fluid inwardly from an external source to the storage tank, or outwardly from the storage tank to an external source.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each of the valves of the diaphragm pump is controlled by a manual control mechanism.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a fluid manifold connecting the diaphragm pump to the fluid conduit.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fluid conduit has a fluid transfer connection to a discharge port in a lower portion of the storage tank.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a pump support mounted to the frame of the truck for supporting the diaphragm pump.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a surge dampener in fluid communication with the fluid transfer apparatus for absorbing pressure surges or pulsations within the fluid transfer apparatus.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the storage tank, and configured to pump fluid from the external structure to the storage tank.
 11. In a transport truck for removing and transporting waste fluids, the transport truck having a storage tank mounted on a frame, and a motor furnishing transport power to move the truck, a fluid transfer apparatus comprising: a diaphragm pump in fluid communication with the storage tank, the diaphragm pump having a first side and a second side; the first side of the diaphragm pump having a first coupling configured for attachment to an external structure, and the second side of the diaphragm pump having a second coupling connected to the storage tank by a fluid conduit; the diaphragm pump and fluid conduit being closed, so that the fluids within the diaphragm pump and fluid conduit are substantially separated from ambient air; and a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the storage tank, and configured to pump fluid from the external structure to the storage tank.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising: a control mechanism having first and second states, the first state configured to activate the diaphragm pump, and the second state configured to activate the vacuum pump.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the diaphragm pump has diaphragms made of a material selected to resist hydrocarbons, acids, bases, and corrosive materials.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the diaphragm pump is driven by a mechanism selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic motor, an electric motor, and the motor that furnishes transport power to move the truck.
 15. A method of transporting waste fluids in a truck having a storage tank and a fluid transfer apparatus including a diaphragm pump driven by a power takeoff unit that transfers power from the motor of the truck to the diaphragm pump, the method comprising the steps of: connecting a first end of the diaphragm pump to an external structure containing the fluids to be transported; connecting a second end of the diaphragm pump to the storage tank via a fluid transfer conduit; activating the diaphragm pump to draw the fluids from the external structure into the diaphragm pump, and to push the fluids from the diaphragm pump into the storage tank.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of: reversing the flow path through the diaphragm pump by adjusting valves on the pump so that the pump draws the fluids from the storage tank into the diaphragm pump, and pushes the fluids from the diaphragm pump into a structure at a treatment facility.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of: driving the diaphragm pump with a motor selected from the group consisting of a hydraulic motor, an electric motor, and the motor that furnishes transport power to move the truck.
 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of: reducing volatile emissions by keeping the fluids within the fluid transfer apparatus substantially separate from ambient air.
 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of: introducing the fluid into the bottom of the storage tank so that as the fluid enters the storage tank it enters any liquid fluids that have accumulated at the bottom of the storage tank. 